Integrating Deconstruction and Recycling Into the Demolition Process in Buffalo, NY

Buffalo’s Comprehensive Plan currently calls for the demolition of 10,000 buildings over a period of ten years. While demolition contractors may recycle a small percentage of the waste created from demolitions, the process generates a great deal of waste that ends up in landfills. Many of the materials that are thrown away after a building is demolished are either reusable or recyclable. In order to lessen the negative environmental impact of building demolition, Buffalo needs to encourage demolition contractors to reuse and recycle more building materials. Even more effective than encouragement is requirement. Buffalo should require a minimum level of recycling in all its demolition contracts